May 17, 2022

Saturday, May 14, 2022 marked the 130th commencement at Mayville State University. More than 200 individuals who have or will complete their degree requirements at the conclusion of the Fall Semester of 2021, the Spring Semester of 2022, or the Summer Session of 2022 were eligible to participate in the annual festivities.

“Be proud of your roots at Mayville State,” and “Use the lessons of ‘personal service’ learned at MSU to go out and do good in the world,” seemed to be the overall themes for the day as those sentiments came through multiple times in the words shared by those who addressed the graduates and those in the audiences during the course of the day.

Mr. Tom Capouch, 1984 Mayville State University graduate, served as the keynote speaker at commencement exercises. State Board of Higher Education member Jeffry Volk, West Fargo, N.D., brought greetings on behalf of the board. Current graduates Taylor Reilly, Hoople, N.D., and Josiah Walker, East Windsor, N.J., shared their reflections on behalf of the graduates. Pastor Martin Avery of Mayville Lutheran and Gran Lutheran Churches delivered the invocation and benediction. Spring 2022 graduate Rylee Heil, Harvey, N.D., and the MSU Concert Band provided music.

Commencement day began with the traditional graduation brunch, hosted by the MSU Alumni Association Board. Each year, the brunch serves as the first official alumni event for the university’s newest alumni. Board member Pam Soholt served as emcee for the brunch program, and current graduates Alex Dralle, Stanley, N.D., and Rylee Heil, Harvey, N.D., spoke on behalf of the graduates. Graduates and their families were able to enjoy a meal and program free of charge thanks to a sponsorship from Bell Bank.